Ulster Bank League: Division 1A Previews

Lansdowne travel to Cork Constitution having scored over 100 points in their last three games. Table toppers St. Mary's visit last season's champions Old Belvedere, who are still without a win, Shannon and Clontarf replay one of their epic finals, Garryowen host a resurgent Dolphin and Young Munster look to get back on track against Blackrock.

Preview: A big test for both sides this weekend. Brian Walsh's Cork Constitution have struggled for the consistency that has been their hallmark in previous season.

Admittedly they have seen young tyros like Peter O'Mahony and Simon Zebo make the transition to Munster and have lost players of the calibre of Frank Cogan, but they are still one of the top clubs around.

Mike Ruddock's Lansdowne outfit have been in sparkling form, notching up over 100 points in their last three games.

A home win sees Cork Con still in touch with the top of the table. An away victory sees Lansdowne go four games undefeated and marks them as serious title contenders.

Preview: Seven losing bonus points in eight games tells a story for Old Belvedere this season and but for them they would be nailed on relegation certainties. As it stands they can still salvage their season if they can start to win games.

St. Mary's have gone about their business very efficiently this season, negotiating some tricky games to date.

They are three points clear at the top and with 'Tarf and Lansdowne on the road to Munster, a win in Anglesea Road on Saturday could see them stretch that even further.

Still, this is an 'old school' derby and 'Belvo might just break out at some point this season even if form favours the visitors.

Most Recent League Meetings - Saturday, April 2, 2011: Old Belvedere 25 St. Mary's College 19, Anglesea Road; Friday, November 25, 2011: St. Mary's College 15 Old Belvedere 10, Templeville Road

Preview: A fall from grace for the Cookies since the Christmas break. Losing at home by a big score to St. Mary's seriously dented their confidence while last weekend saw them squeeze a losing bonus away to Dolphin.

They are not out of the running by any means, but they need to start winning again and will be without the services of emigrating pair Matthew Costelloe and Shane Hassett.

Blackrock were smashed on the back pitch at the Aviva Stadium last weekend but ran up 30 points against Shannon the week before. Which 'Rock will travel to Limerick? Which Young Munster will meet them?